Chief Craig: Marathon will be safe regardless of city budget

The Cincinnati police chief addressed the city's safety concerns in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings and budget shortfalls Wednesday afternoon.

Chief James Craig assured safety at the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon and said the city will use resources from every police department along the marathon route. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and the FBI will assist with the marathon's safety plan.

Craig has been in security talks with Flying Pig Marathon organizers all week.

"Our planning for the Flying Pig didn't just happen in the wake of the awful tragedy that occurred in Boston," said Craig.

Safety at Cincinnati's marathon is on the minds of many. Craig said in addition to city resources, he relies on a vigilant community.

Craig assures the city's safety will not be impacted by talks of significant police reduction. Some City Council members said that to account for a more than $30 million budget shortfall, they will be forced to cut as many as 150 police jobs.

"My core concern is our ability to handle calls for service -- emergency calls for service -- in a timely and effective way," said Craig. He indicated if his budget shrinks, he will restructure.

"Our shift and focus would be pushed toward those men and women who wear the uniform in the response units. That's our primary function -- when a person calls 911 and a police officer responds for service," said Craig.

He said his men in blue will squelch Cincinnati violence on the Flying Pig race day and every day -- regardless of budget woes.

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